Thought it would be fun to share horror stories (AND SOLUTIONS) relating to amp/live gigging snafus.
Here's mine:
A friend's band gigs regularly around NYC. They don't get paid much, and have had trouble re-booking venues. If you've ever seen the type of dives most bands book in the city, you'll know they generally max out at a capacity of 100 people and their sound systems are pretty run-of-the-mill.
I was sympathetic until I went to one of their shows and realized that my friend (who plays keys) was toting around a 65lb Roland keyboard amp (that inevitably was being mic'd because it just couldn't keep up) while the guitarist was PLAYING THROUGH THE PA. He had a Boss GT-10 pedalboard in between his poor guitar and the underpowered PA system at the venue. I sat down and asked what he practiced with at home. His answer: "Well, it's always a toss-up between the Marshall I keep at the studio and the Fender Twin Reverb I have outside in my truck."
I was dumbstruck. He owns, maintains, and CARRIES WITH HIM a working TRRI and chooses to play through the PA because "I don't think anyone will notice." I suggested he bring in his TRRI from the truck, and he said he'd think about it, but I have yet to see it happen at a gig. It's too bad, too, since he's a guitarist with some serious chops and great tone at practice.
How would you approach him?
What horror stories do you have to share? Doesn't have to be gig-related.